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Contemporary artist Henk van der Gronde talks about the Quest for his Holy Grail
Henk van der Gronde
Burgemeester Keestrasingel 25
4101 ZB, Culemborg
Telephone: 0345-520284
Mobile: 06-51490994
Email: hvdgronde@gmail.com
Atelier: ‘t Jach 32 , 4101 CM Culemborg
Website: http://henkvandergronde.nl
The beginning
On completing my studies in graphic design at the art academy in Arnhem (now ArtEZ), I spent some time studying the paintings, and philosophy of art, of René Klinkers and Hans Koopman at the Hogeschool Voor de Kunsten (HKU) in Utrecht. During my artistic career, I have held various exhibitions, both individually and in groups with artists associations. Much of my exhibited work is now in private collections or owned by companies.
 Landschap met rode toren |
 Het hoge water huis 2d-3d |
 Insect |
My working style
Most of my art is created intuitively, born from random moments captured by my eye, mixed with my mood, memories, and impressions. I work mostly in oil paints, which allows me to work longer on the painting but, of course, also requires a longer drying time.
My work begins when I enter into a continuous dialogue with a selected canvas; asking with my eyes and responding with my strokes of colour. I work by applying layers of paint on top of each other on the canvas, like skin. Then, with my fingernails or stylus, I make scratches in the skin and combine them with India ink to produce drawing-like effects to the work.
 Stadt op rots |
 Stad met volle maan en vissen |
 Vissen |
To give chance a chance, I like to surprise myself sometimes by turning the canvas while painting the picture. For me, spontaneity and immediacy give the canvas more character.
Painting is always a Quest for me. I am constantly searching for my Holy Grail.